ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
PIB Headquarters
Dr. DINESH SRIVASTAVA IS THE NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR NUCLEAR FUEL COMPLEX 
Dr. Dinesh Srivastava, Distinguished Scientist, has taken over as Chief Executive, Nuclear Fuel Complex  on January 31, 2018, consequent on the retirement of Shri G. Kalyanakrishnan on superannuation. In this capacity, Dr. Srivastava will also be the Chairman of the NFC Board. Prior to this assignment, he was holding the position of Deputy Chief Executive, NFC. Previously Dr. Srivastava had worked for three decades in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre , Mumbai and is a senior Professor in Homi Bhabha National Institute , Mumbai.
Dr. Srivastava has contributed exclusively in the development of advanced structural materials of extreme strategic value for Nuclear Energy program in India. Target of his work has been on self-reliant development of critical nuclear components for the Department of Atomic Energy . His basic research studies on physical and mechanical metallurgy, thermo-mechanical processing and irradiation damage of Zirconium, Titanium and low alloy steels led to successful processing of these materials. Some of them are high creep resistant pressure tube, high burn-up fuel cladding tube and reactor pressure vessel.
As Deputy Chief Executive , NFC, Dr. Srivastava has ably demonstrated outstanding performance in NFC’s achievement of record production of fuel assemblies, in addition to meeting the production requirement of reactor components for the forthcoming 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor , being constructed at Kalpakkam.
A Metallurgical Engineer from the University of Roorkee, Dr. Srivastava joined the 28th batch of BARC Training School, Mumbai in 1984. Subsequently, he was posted to BARC, Mumbai and served in various capacities up to March 2017. He has obtained Doctorate degree from the Indian Institute of Science , Bengaluru.
Dr. Srivastava has been the recipient of many Honours and several prestigious Awards viz., ROPA Fellow, UK ; Binani Gold Medal from the Indian Institute of Metals ; DAE Science & Technology Excellence Award ; Homi Bhabha Science & Technology Award ; DAE Science & Technology Group Award ; National Metallurgist Day Award ; and Vasavik Award for Science & Technology .
Dr. Srivastava is the Life Member of the Indian Nuclear Society , Indian Society for Non-destructive Testing , Indian Institute of Metals , Materials Research Society of India  and Magnetic Society of India . He is also the Fellow of Electron Microscopy Society of India .
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited launch
Model Retail Outlet Scheme
Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited have announced the launch of Model Retail Outlet Scheme and a Digital Customer Feedback Program called Darpan@petrolpump. Three oil PSUs have joined hands to launch Model Retail Outlets to enhance service standards and amenities, across their networks, which serve over 6 Crore consumers everyday.
The initiative was inaugurated by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, Govt. of India, in the august presence of Shri Rameswar Teli, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Labour and Employment, Govt. of India and Shri Tarun Kapoor Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Govt. of India.
In order to keep pace with the rapidly changing consumer behavior and a view to offer a heightened customer experience in retail outlets, Oil Marketing Companies aim to benchmark Retail Outlet standards for ensuring standardized customer facilities through these initiatives.
The scheme involves an intense 5 Level evaluation process of over 70000 retail outlets in the country on a set of core service and facility parameters as well as standard of customer amenities e.g., clean and hygienic washrooms, customer centric innovative offerings etc. The Retail Outlets have been divided into 4 categories based on sales performance, facilities offered and their percentage of digital transactions at the point of sale in keeping with the Digital India imperative.
Top performers will be awarded the “Shresth” and “Uttam”, Awards by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the “Rajya Sarv Pratham” awards by the respective Oil Companies. The digital customer feedback program, darpan@petrolpump, a unique, real time feedback program was also launched and customers will be encouraged to give their valuable feedback which will go a long way in enhancing service standards at the retail outlets
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources  Scheme
The status of funds allocation and expenditure under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources  scheme of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region during the last five years is as under:

|
|
Financial Year
|
|
Budgetary Estimates
|
|
Revised Estimates
|
|
Expenditure
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016-17
|
|
900
|
|
850
|
|
837.29
|
|
|
|
2017-18
|
|
1069.5
|
|
876.06
|
|
862.42
|
|
|
|
2018-19
|
|
1002
|
|
782.96
|
|
526.55
|
|
|
|
2019-20
|
|
533.1
|
|
576.59
|
|
576.59
|
|
|
|
2020-21
|
|
551.75
|
|
341.84
|
|
341.84
|
|
There is no State-wise budgetary allocation of the funds under NLCPR scheme of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. Funds under NLCPR-Central component of the scheme are released to the respective central implementing agencies. However, under NLCPR-State component of the scheme, project-wise funds are released to the respective State Governments for implementation. The state-wise details of funds released under NLCPR-State component during the last five years are as under:
|
|
S. No.
|
|
State
|
|
Funds released 
|
|
1.
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
308.15
|
|
2.
|
|
Assam
|
|
533.44
|
|
3.
|
|
Manipur
|
|
404.70
|
|
4.
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
196.15
|
|
5.
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
237.41
|
|
6.
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
236.08
|
|
7.
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
253.55
|
|
8.
|
|
Tripura
|
|
198.50
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
2367.98
As per the extant guidelines, all non-exempted Central Ministries/Departments, are mandated to spend atleast 10% of Gross Budgetary Support  for Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes in North Eastern Region . However, instead of a pre-decided State-wise allocation, funds are spent by the concerned Ministries/Departments in the North Eastern States, against sanctioned projects/schemes.
This information was given by Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Shri G. Kishan Reddy in the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today.
Ministry of Education
Shri Pradhan called upon students to give back to the society and explore finding solutions to global challenges
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addresses 22nd Convocation of University of Hyderabad,
Union Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addresses 22nd Convocation of University of Hyderabad today. Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Governor of the State of Telangana and Chief Rector, University of Hyderabad graced the occasion.
While addressing the gathering he said that Hyderabad is known as the city of decorative pearls. It is also a city that is generating intellectual pearls. He further added that Hyderabad is known for its IT prowess. It is also emerging as a leading medical technology hub of the country. University of Hyderabad is emerging as a centre-of-excellence and expressed his confidence that the University will be a torchbearer of knowledge-based economy in the 21st century, he added
Shri Pradhan shared that a lot of girl students being honored at the University of Hyderabad Convocation. Our NariShakti will play a major role in the economic well-being of our country.
Shri Pradhan said that today, climate change, changing agricultural patterns, new diseases are a concern for everybody. Society is looking towards knowledgeable people for providing solutions to these pressing challenges and University of Hyderabad is capable of providing solutions to these challenges. He stated that India is aspiring to become a leading economic superpower and a knowledge-based economy. Innovation and entrepreneurship will take us forward. We must create more wealth-creators and job-creators for our society to grow, he added.
Shri Pradhan also said that India is a very old civilization with strong linkages with science and technology. The Covid19 pandemic has shown that Indian Knowledge Systems and the Indian way of life have much to offer to the world. We have to promote IKS with a modern context.
Shri Pradhan asserted that world is looking towards India with great hope. The next 25 years are important for all of us. As we enter the AmritKaal, NEP 2020 remains a guiding philosophy for the welfare of humanity. India’s responsibility is to take care of the planet.
He further said that India is going to be the benchmark for the world in fighting climate change, food scarcity, in paving the way for peace and harmony and in providing healthcare and economic models. India will emerge as a leading light of humanity based on the philosophy of NEP 2020, he added.
Later, Shri Pradhan added that when India will be celebrating 100 years of independence, Hyderabad University will be one of the major epicentre of our knowledge-based society. He urged students to give back to society to make their education more meaningful and purposeful.
The University of Hyderabad gave away the coveted degrees to 4800 students enrolled in various programs, with 1631 receiving their degrees in person and remaining in absentia; 573 are Ph.D. Scholars and multiple students were felicitated with awards and medals for their extraordinary performances.
Ministry of Steel
RINL imparts skill development training for 540 persons belonging in tribal areas
With a view to enabling economically weaker people of tribal areas to generate revenue on their own, RINL, the corporate entity of the Visakhapatnam steel plant, provided skill development training to 540 persons belonging to the tribal areas of Alluri Sitaramaraju District. The RINL has provided skill development training in areas like cutting, tailoring, and dressmaking , the manufacture of home-use chemicals , and adda leaf plate making  in14 villages.
The training programs, which began in December 2022, were successfully completed, and the beneficiaries were assessed in their respective skills, and certificates of course completion were handed over to them today.
RINL has spent Rs 19.98 lakh on imparting training as part of its corporate social responsibility. Jana Sikshan Sansthan, Visakhapatnam, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, was roped in to impart the necessary skills to the beneficiaries.
Shri TV Ramana Rao, the DGM , and RINL coordinated the training program and handed over the training completion certificates to the beneficiaries.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19: Additional Travel Advisory
In addition to Visa restrictions already in place, passengers traveling from /having visited Italy or Republic of Korea and desirous of entering India will need certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19 from the designated laboratories authorized by the health authorities of these countries. This will be enforced from 0000 Hrs of 10th March, 2020 and is a temporary measure till cases of COVID-19 subside.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
“A start to a new chapter, with the creation of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as Union Territories”: Shri Javadeker
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change  and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Prakash Javadekar paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, to mark the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, in New Delhi today.
Recalling the rich contributions made by Sardar Patel in unifying 565 princely states, Shri Javadekar said, “Recently, a historic decision was taken by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha with the abrogation of Article 370. Pleased to announce that both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have come into being as Union Territories from today, which is a start to a new chapter”.
The Minister also administered the Pledge for Unity at the function.
Prime Minister's Office
On Ambedkar Jayanti, PM to visit Chhattisgarh, inaugurate Health and Wellness Centre to mark the launch of Ayushman Bharat
On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the aspirational district of Bijapur in Chhattisgarh.
He will inaugurate a Health and Wellness Centre, which will mark the launch of the Union Government’s ambitious Health Assurance Programme – Ayushman Bharat.
The Prime Minister will visit the Jangla Development Hub in Bijapur district. In the course of about one hour, he will interact with a number of people, and will be briefed on several development initiatives.
At the inauguration of the Health and Wellness Centre, he will interact with ASHA workers. He will visit a model Anganwadi Centre, and interact with Anganwadi workers and beneficiary children of Poshan Abhiyan. He will visit a Haat Bazaar Health Kiosk and interact with health workers. He will inaugurate a bank branch at Jangla and distribute loan sanction letters under the Mudra Scheme to select beneficiaries. He will also interact with Rural BPO employees.
The Prime Minister will then arrive at the venue of the public meeting. He will launch the Van Dhan Yojana, which aims at empowering tribal communities. It envisages a mechanism for marketing of Minor Forest Produce through Minimum Support Price and development of value chain for MFP.
Via video conference, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation, the Bhanupratappur-Gudum Railway Line. He will flag off a train between Dalli Rajhara and Bhanupratappur. He will also inaugurate a dialysis centre at Bijapur Hospital.
The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for construction of 1988 km of PMGSY roads in LWE areas; other road connectivity projects in LWE areas; water supply scheme of Bijapur; and two bridges. He will also address the gathering.
Ministry of Defence
INAUGURATION OF 600 RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION AT NAVAL BASE KARWAR BY CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF
Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff visited Naval Base Karwar on 21 Aug 23. During the visit, CNS inaugurated two residential buildings comprising 600 flats at Amadhalli and Arga Naval Base each in the presence of large number of families of naval personnel and defence civilians.
The 10 residential towers have been provisioned with modern amenities, improved interiors, landscaping and external services in compliance with IGBC Gold Rating. These infrastructure developments are part of ongoing Phase IIA of Project Seabird which will house around 10,000 uniformed and civilian personnel with families.
The ongoing construction has created numerous direct and indirect jobs. The project aligns with the ‘AatmaNirbharBharat’ initiative of Govt of India, sourcing over 90% of material domestically.
The CNS praised the Project Seabird effort in the creation of high-quality defence infrastructure and urged expeditious completion of remaining facilities.
Ministry of Defence
Precautionary Landing by Apache Helicopter of IAF
On 17 Apr 20, an Apache helicopter of the IAF got airborne from Pathankot Airbase. The helicopter, after approx 1 hr of flying had indications of a critical failure and carried out a safe landing west of Indora, Punjab. The captain of the aircraft took correct and prompt actions to recover the helicopter safely. All crew onboard the helicopter are safe and there has been no damage to any property. The aircraft will be recovered after necessary rectification.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Scheme for Security of Border Areas
Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing various projects for creation of infrastructure under Border Infrastructure and Management  Scheme to secure the border areas which inter-alia include construction of border roads, Border Out Posts , border fencing and floodlights.
Funds under the BIM scheme are allocated for different borders. Details of funds provided under the scheme to secure borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China since 2014 are as under:-

|
|
S. No.
|
|
Border
|
|
Funds provided
|
|
2014-
15
|
|
2015-
16
|
|
2016-
17
|
|
2017-
18
|
|
2018-
19
|
|
2019-
20
|
|
2020-21 
|
|
-
|
|
Indo- Bangladesh
|
|
722.25
|
|
672.93
|
|
700.70
|
|
1152.80
|
|
1019.55
|
|
996.53
|
|
651.76
|
|
-
|
|
Indo- Bhutan
|
|
10.34
|
|
33.82
|
|
20.76
|
|
20.02
|
|
11.34
|
|
10.31
|
|
9.88
|
|
-
|
|
Indo- Myanmar
|
|
18.31
|
|
9.80
|
|
23.00
|
|
5.00
|
|
6.27
|
|
20.00
|
|
20.38
|
|
-
|
|
Indo- China
|
|
182.31
|
|
425.25
|
|
229.94
|
|
211.38
|
|
270.13
|
|
351.89
|
|
237.93
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Cabinet approves additional investment by Bharat PetroResources Ltd. a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited for development of BM-SEAL-11 project in Brazil
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved additional investment of USD 1,600 million  by Bharat PetroResources Ltd. , a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited  for development of BM-SEAL-11 Concession Project in Brazil.
The CCEA also approved following:
- To increase in the limit of equity investment by BPCL in BPRL and Authorised Share Capital of the Company from Rs.15,000 crore to Rs.20,000 crore .
- To authorise increase in the limit of equity investment by BPRL International BV in International BV Brasil Petroleo Limitada, through intermediate WOS, to Rs.15,000 crore from the current limit of Rs.5,000 crore that is an increase of Rs.10,000 crore.
The start of production from BM-SEAL-11 project is expected from 2026-27.
This will help in:
- accessing to equity oil to strengthen India’s energy security.
- diversifying India’s crude oil supply and Indian oil companies have expressed interest in sourcing more crude oil from Brazil.
- Strengthening India’s foothold in Brazil, which will further open business avenues in neighbouring Latin American countries.
- Further strengthening the bilateral ties between the countries.
BPRL has 40% Participating Interest  in this Concession along with Petrobras, National oil company of Brazil, as the Operator with 60% Participating Interest.
BPRL has been associated with exploration and development of this project in Brazil since 2008.
Ministry of Culture
National Monuments Authority recommends two sites associated with Dr. Ambedkar to be declared as Monuments of National Importance
National Monuments Authority has recommended two sites associated with Dr Ambedkar, the Father of Indian Constitution and a great social reformer, to be declared as Monuments of National importance.
NMA has recommended that Sankalp Bhumi Banyan tree campus in Vadodara, where Dr. Ambedkar had taken a resolve to eradicate untouchability on 23th September, 1917 be declared as Monument of National Importance. This place is more than hundred years old and a witness to the beginning of social respect revolution heralded by Dr. Ambedkar.
NMA has also recommended a place in Satara  where Bhim Rao Ramji Ambedkar received his primary education in Pratap Rao Bhosle High School to be declared as monument of National importance.
The school register still shows with pride a child student Bhim Rao’s signatures in Marathi. The school, now under Zila Parishad is in a dilapidated condition.
These recommendations have been placed before MoS Culture, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal by the National Monuments Authority.
It’s a priceless heritage in the region of social harmony and equality and must be declared and preserved as Monument of National importance, Shri Tarun Vijay ,NMA Chairman said.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Gadkari addresses 60th Annual Convention of SIAM; says Auto Sector has huge responsibility of Employment Generation
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkri has that automobile industry is one of the largest contributors to the manufacturing GDP of the country and is a sector that has the highest number of employment. Addressing the 60th Annual Convention of SIAM through VC today he underlined that a lot stands on the shoulders of this industry in the current times. Shri Gadkari assured to resolve the concerns of the industry in the interest of society and economy.
The Minister also expressed confidence over achieving Road safety targets in near future. He said, the automoble industry has progressed a lot in that direction. He noted that vehicle manufacturers have implemented regulations crucial to vehicle safety such as crash norms, ABS, airbags, seat belt reminder, reverse parking assist, VTS, etc. These regulations have brought the auto industry in India at par with the global auto industry. This has been possible with extraordinary coordination and commitment of Indian automobile industry, he added. Shri Gadkari applauded the automibile industry in leap-frogging to BS-VI standards.
Shri Gadkari informed that the current rate of road building per day has averaged to 30 km a day, with the highest being 40 km per day of highways. He said, India has now the second largest road network in the world being fueled by the tremendous growth in construction of expressways and highways. Stressing that making the vehicles safer alone would not bring down the accidents and fatalities significantly, he Said, the same should be complemented with proper road designs and enforcement. This includes being equipped and future ready. He said, the future of mobility demands integration with infrastructure. Accordingly, all highways/expressways are being made with demarcated roads and lane markings, suitable for implementation of advanced driver assist technologies.
The Minister added that this century has been defined by the rise of digital and connected features that have become an integral part of life. Recognizing the impact of Digitalization, Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019 has promoted use of digital technologies for traffic safety and rule enforcement. With the cooperation of the industry, electronic toll collection with FASTag was successfully implemented. With its linking to the Vahan portal, FASTags would enable toll crossings seamless and smooth.
He said, Infrastructure growth and enhancement, is being looked at not only from a point of view of connected vehicles, but also electric & alternative fuel vehicles. He urged at increased use of alternative fuels, the focus being to ensure availability of ethanol fuel across the country, consistently. As penetration of these vehicles increases, the demand for supporting infrastructure, such as charging stations and fueling stations will grow and will have to be fulfilled. We will try to bring about an integrated fuel roadmap defining phase-wise introduction of different fuel options and supporting infrastructure, he said.